PIERRE — The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday announced that it will grant $50,000 to help the South Dakota Democratic Party expand its outreach to Native American voters.

In a statement, DNC representatives said the funds could boost voter registration on Native American reservations and grow voter turnout across the state.

“South Dakota is home to nine tribal nations and we know that if we empower and organize Native American voters, they will be the difference-makers in the 2018 elections," DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement.

The financial boost comes as the Democratic Party looks to increase voter registration that lags South Dakota Republicans by more than 87,000 voters.

South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Ann Tornberg said the grant would help the state party build relationships with tribal leaders and mobilize volunteers ahead of upcoming primary and general elections.